Citalopram

[Shops]

Please can anyone give me advice I have been on Citalopram for 6 days and my anxiety is worse I wake up in the morning in a panic bathed in sweat I’m trying to persevere but side effects are awful I feel like a burning sensation and then sick should I stop them?

[Jiwa]

Hi. I remember well my first week.on citalopram.It was even worse. I wanted to stop taking it but decided against it and felt better after 3 weeks. Back to normal. It happens quite often that first it gets worse before we feel any benefits.

Can you try and wait one more week ? Just think you are ill and the medication needs time to kick in. Do not overthink..

[Shops in reply to Jiwa]

Thank you I will try another week

[Rosco49]

As Jiwa says, it can take 2-3 weeks to settle down and feel real benefit. I have had an uncomfortable relationship with anti-depressants for about 25 years now, I'm currently experimenting with so called more natural ones, but begining to realise that they all, natural or not, give you some unpleasant sensations especially in those early stages as your brain gets used to the changes. You will be okay, but I totally get that you don't feel that right now, horrble as it is, try to think of it as just your brain adapting and give it some more time. I really feel your anguish, have been there myself and probably will be again. One piece of advice I would offer is to half what most Doctors prescribe as a starting dose, (discuss with them first). I was put on 20mg years ago and the anxiety was way too overwhelming, in my own experience, (not a medical expert, but know plenty about what has/hasn't helped over 25 years). Turned out even 10mg seemed too much for me, even though my brother has been on 20mg for years and it has given him a new lease of life, even though we are brothers, our own brain chemistry, lifestyle, outlook, metabolism, severity of anxiety/depression etc all have an impact on how it works. If I was to go back on them, which I may well do , I will take few weeks at 5mg, then few weeks at 10mg once the first lot beds in. This idea of tapering is particularly important if you decide to come off them now or in the future, you must gradually reduce, (taper) over a longer period, which will reduce and manage withdrawal. This medication does work for most people once it settles and I'm sure it will for you too, these scary feelings will start to dminish soon, take your time, be kind to yourself and know what you are feeling is actually pretty normal, though I know it sure as hell don't feel it. Love and light to you!

[Shops in reply to Rosco49]

Thank you I’m on 10mg so will persevere

[Jiwa in reply to Shops]

Please do. I remember the day when I felt like you feel now. I was at work and tears were rolling down my cheeks. But I managed to hide and nobody saw me. I persevered. Take care

[JennWoo]

Hey. Unfortunately that is just what you have to go through to get to the other (& better) side. I have been there and I know how much it sucks. Keep going with it and your body will start to get used to it. Your head is probably spinning, anxiety or depression is worse and you just feel generally unwell but it will pass. Trust me on this. The best thing to do is take it easy and push through

Sorry that you have to go through it but it will start working soon.

[Shops in reply to JennWoo]

Thank you I will try

[Shops]

Thank you all I’m just scared can’t get out of bed or eat

[Rosco49 in reply to Shops]

That is understandable, but you will get through it. I found keeping a diary helped, , nothing fancy, just jotting down when you take your tablet, how you generally feel that day and anything particular that felt good or not so good, I do 3 wee emoji faces, Sad, Okay ad Happy, as this is the way it will go for you. If you thinkabout it, you are in phase 1 now, soon phase 2, which will quickly link into phase 3, with some toing ad friowing inbetween, not quite as linear as I suggest. That way you can hopefully see small positive shifts in your mood and thinking, it is also good to have this on paper for next time you see your GP and for your own reference as you will be finding it hard to focus just now. Hydration and herbal teas like chamomile and Passion flower are always a good idea, best wishes.

[Shops in reply to Rosco49]

Thank you I will try all

[Lindsey14]

I just got prescribed the same stuff

[Shops in reply to Lindsey14]

How you finding them Lindsey?

[Lindsey14 in reply to Shops]

I haven't taken it yet, scared to

[Shops in reply to Lindsey14]

I hope I haven’t put you not everyone reacts the same way I’ve always been sensitive with tablets

[Lindsey14 in reply to Shops]

No no, its alright❤

[_Alex_]

I got a reduction in anxiety from the first dose. By day two, I was pretty freaking high on the stuff. However, that may not be a common reaction.

I believe doctors are allowed to give you a couple weeks worth of benzodiazepines to cover the initial increase in anxiety. That doesn't mean any particular doctor will do it for you unfortunately.

[Shops in reply to _Alex_]

Are you still taking them?

[_Alex_ in reply to Shops]

Got switched off citalopram quite fast by a psychiatrist.

[Jiwa in reply to _Alex_]

They don't like prescribing benzo. It's a shame because they're soo helpful in situations when you feel almost suicidal and your tablets don't work because it's early days...I know they're addictive but let's say 5 tablets would do no harm

[_Alex_ in reply to Jiwa]

Yeah, they don't like prescribing them these days. But I'm fairly sure it's within guidelines in the UK to prescribe at the start of a new antidepressant.